QUINTA DA ATELA FEATURED IN REVISTA DE VINHOS

Quinta da Atela, located in Alpiarça on the banks of the River Tagus, has a history dating back to the 14th century, when it was known as Quinta da Goucha and belonged to D. Afonso Telo de Menezes. Over the centuries, it passed through different owners, including a religious order, the Hermits of St Augustine. In the 19th century, after the extinction of the religious orders, the estate was acquired by Isidoro Maria de Oliveira, founder of Salsichas Izidoro, who invested significantly in vineyards.

With the Carnation Revolution in 1974, the quinta was occupied for a decade and then returned to the original owners. In 2017, the property was sold to Anabela Tereso and Fernando Vicente, who were involved in farming with Valgrupo. When they took over management, they found the buildings and vineyards in a precarious state. Anabela Tereso, the current manager of Quinta da Atela, overcame the challenges and transformed the property, which was recognised as the Best Wine Tourism Area in the Tagus in 2022.

Winemaker António Ventura plays a crucial role in the history of Quinta da Atela's wines. After an initial period until 2015, he returned in 2017 to take part in a new quality project. The winery, originally from 2002, has undergone some changes, and today the quinta has 150ha of vineyards, with plans to exceed one million bottles a year in the coming years. The diversity of grape varieties, both Portuguese and international, and the quality of the moorland soils contribute to distinctive wines.

Anabela Tereso, despite not initially understanding wine, led the renovation of Quinta da Atela. With winemaker António Ventura, she redesigned the portfolio, launching new products, including a rosé from Castelão, sparkling wines and a DOC-certified wine brandy from Tejo. The restoration of the buildings resulted in accommodation and spaces for events, complementing wine tourism activities that include wine tastings, visits to the winery, the montado and a lake.

Looking to the future, Anabela Tereso emphasises the importance of the interconnection between wine and tourism, anticipating significant growth in production and exports, while continuing to strengthen Quinta da Atela's position in the market. The quinta's success is testimony to the vision, effort and passion invested in its metamorphosis over the years.